Warts are annoying and sometimes uncomfortable light colored bumps that appear on the skin. They are caused by a form of papillomavirus, and usually occur when we have a small cut or fissure in the skin that directly exposes us to the virus. They are easier to remove in their earliest stages, but a new skin growth, especially one that exhibits uneven edges should be evaluated by a physician. Some forms of skin cancer resemble warts. If you’ve never had warts before, do check out one that suddenly appears to rule out this serious condition.

Once you know that what you have is a wart, there are a number of home methods to remove them. Removal time of many of these home methods can mean several months before you see improvement. This is why many people opt to have the warts frozen off in a doctor’s office. Since warts are contagious, continued contact with them, especially on your hands, may mean new warts.

A few at home methods for wart removal include using vitamins placed over the warts. For instance, liquid vitamin A in oil form, or crushed vitamin C may help remove warts quicker. Do not take extra vitamin A orally, instead, merely break capsules and place them on each wart, a couple of times a day. You may also want to cover the warts in between treatments. Vitamin C can be crushed and added to a little water and the acid in it may help remove warts. With both of these methods, wart removal time can be short, a couple of weeks if it’s a new wart, or quite long, up to several months.

Some people also suggest rubbing a clove of garlic on each wart several times a day. This is definitely not a recommended treatment for children. Long exposure to the oils in garlic can burn their sensitive skin and cause great discomfort.

One of the most common methods suggested for home removal of warts is securely taping the wart, and keeping it covered at all times. You can use first aid tape or any type of medical tape. Some even recommend duct tape. The tape should be left on all the time, and only should be changed if it starts to loosen, or if it gets really dirty. This may remove warts after about three weeks of consistent taping. Some also suggest adding some castor oil prior to taping.

Other methods for removing warts involve numerous over the counter treatments, usually containing salicylic acid in varying strengths. Some of these come in tinctures, while others are coated pads with the acid. If you use the pads, you should be certain to cut them to fit the wart precisely, or you can ulcerate and irritate the skin all around the wart, which might add more warts to your skin. Another new wart remover is the over the counter Compound W Wart Freeze Off®, which can be found in most drug stores.

The company claims that a treatment or two will remove most warts two weeks after treatment. Consumer reviews of this product vary. Some complain it is painful, others say it is quite effective. Still others have complained the product won’t work on stubborn warts like plantar warts (those on the feet).

Whatever method you try, consider keeping an area with warts as dry as possible. Wear shower shoes at home and in public showering areas to keep from spreading warts to others. Try to avoid touching warts by keeping them covered. Especially glove up or cover up warts if you need to care for others, like your children, or an ill person. It is easy to pass warts onto others, and regardless of method, they can be stubborn to remove.